Head to head
LG C6 42-inch vs LG C6 48-inch
The same 165Hz LG OLED in both desk sizes, about $100 apart. The 42-inch fits a normal desk and is sharper for work; the 48-inch is brighter and needs room to sit back.
The LG C6 comes in both desk sizes, and on October 7 they were only about $100 apart on Amazon: $999.99 for the 42-inch and $1,099 for the 48-inch, both sold by Amazon. They share four HDMI 2.1 inputs, 165Hz from a PC, and webOS 26. The differences are the screen you can fit, how sharp text looks, and the panel: RTINGS found the 48-inch uses a brighter tandem panel that the 42-inch doesn't get.
This is an editorial comparison built from manufacturer specs and published reviews, not our own testing. RTINGS reviewed the 48-inch as a monitor (that's its video below); its C6 TV review tested the 65-inch and notes the 42-inch isn't as bright. Prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. “Check price” buttons on this page are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you; they never change the verdict.
Option A
LG C6 42-inch OLED
- 42" 4K OLED
- 165Hz
- 4 ports
- ~$999.99
The desk TV most people should buy: a 42-inch 4K OLED with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and 165Hz, for about $1,000.
- Gaming
- 5 out of 5
- Desk fit
- 5 out of 5
- Work
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: LG C6 42-inch OLED
Option B
LG C6 48-inch OLED
- 48" 4K OLED
- 165Hz
- 4 ports
- ~$1,099
The brightest desk TV here: a 48-inch C6 with a tandem panel and 165Hz, for a deep desk or a wall mount.
- Gaming
- 5 out of 5
- HDR
- 5 out of 5
- Value
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: LG C6 48-inch OLEDSpec sheet
Side by side
| Feature | C6 42 | C6 48 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. Amazon price (Oct 2026) | ~$999.99Edge | ~$1,099 |
| List price | $1,399.99Edge | $1,599.99 |
| Panel | WOLED; no Brightness Booster at 42 inches (LG) | WOLED with Brightness Booster; RTINGS found a tandem panelEdge |
| Pixel density | About 105 PPIEdge | About 92 PPI |
| Refresh rate | Up to 165Hz from a PC; 120Hz native | Up to 165Hz from a PC; 120Hz native |
| HDMI | 4x HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz with VRR | 4x HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz with VRR |
| Speakers | 2.0 channel (20W, LG UK spec) | 2.2 channel (40W, LG UK spec)Edge |
| Stand | Two feet, 28.3 in apart, 6.7 in deepEdge | Center pedestal, 18.5 x 9.1 in |
| Weight without stand | 21.6 lbEdge | 32.8 lb |
| Width | 36.7 in | 42.2 in |
| Reviewed as a monitor | Not yet (RTINGS reviewed the 42-inch C5 and the 65-inch C6) | Yes, by RTINGS (Jul 2026)Edge |
Manufacturer specs and published reviews; prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. “Edge” marks the side we think comes out ahead on that row.
Fit scores
How they fit, scored
| Scenario | LG C6 42-inch OLED | LG C6 48-inch OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Console + PC gaming | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Work / desktop use | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| HDR games and movies | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Desk fit | 5 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Value | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Editorial fit scores, 1–5 — not lab measurements. Higher score per row highlighted.
Choose the 42-inch if…
- Your desk is a standard depth and you sit about an arm's length away
- You'll spend real hours on text: about 105 pixels per inch vs 92
- You want the lighter TV for a monitor arm (21.6 lb)
- You'd rather keep the $100
Choose the 48-inch if…
- You sit back from a deep desk, use a keyboard tray, or wall-mount it
- HDR games and films matter most: RTINGS found it clearly brighter than the C5 42
- You want the better built-in speakers
- Console games from a chair pushed back are the main use
Our verdict
LG C6 42-inch OLED
For most desks, the 42-inch. It fits, it's sharper for work at arm's length, and it's $100 cheaper. The 48-inch is the better TV, brighter thanks to its tandem panel, but only if you can sit far enough back to enjoy it: a deep desk, a keyboard tray, or a wall mount.
Watch
On video
Video by RTINGS Computer on YouTube. Their views are their own.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 48-inch LG C6 too big for a desk?
For a standard desk where you sit about an arm's length away, usually yes: you'll turn your head to see the corners, and text looks softer at about 92 pixels per inch. With a deep desk or a wall mount it works well, and RTINGS' monitor review of the 48-inch was positive.
Is the 42-inch C6 less bright?
Yes. LG only gives the 48-inch and larger C6 its Brightness Booster, RTINGS says the 42-inch isn't as bright, and RTINGS found a tandem panel in the 48-inch. At arm's length in a dim room, the 42-inch is still plenty bright for most people.
Do both run at 165Hz?
Yes, from a PC with VRR, on all four HDMI ports. Consoles top out at 120Hz on either.
Disclosure: Independent editorial comparison based on published reviews and manufacturer specs, not our own lab measurements. Prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.